Protect you and your Family from Flu

09/30/2016

Our Family of Centers

Flu season has arrived. Protect your family now against this year’s seasonal flu virus and get vaccinated at one of our 30 locations for only $30 ($30 Flu Shot Valid During the 2016-17 Season for Self-Pay Patients) for self-pay patients. Best of all, most insurances cover the cost of the vaccination. No appointment is needed and most centers are open seven days a week with extended weekday hours. Click here to find a location near you.

WHAT IS THE FLU?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. The flu can cause mild to severe illness. The best way to prevent the flu is with an annual flu shot.

WHAT TYPES OF FLU SHOTS DO YOU OFFER?

Our urgent care centers offer the Fluzone Quadrivalent vaccine, which is designed to protect against four different strains of flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend the nasal spray flu vaccine during 2016-17.

WHO SHOULD GET A FLU SHOT?

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older who have no medical contradictions.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN TO GET A FLU SHOT?

Children 6 months through 8 years of age may need 2 doses of the flu vaccine this flu season to help optimize their immune response. Your healthcare provider can advise on how many doses a child should get.

WHO SHOULD NOT GET A FLU SHOT?

Children younger than 6 months are too young to receive a flu shot.

People with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients.

Talk to your doctor:

If you have an allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine.

Talk to your doctor if you have ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).

IS THE QUADRIVALENT FLU VACCINE SAFE?

Yes, according to the CDC. Studies show that vaccines made to protect against four flu viruses have a safety profile similar to seasonal flu vaccines made to protect against three viruses, with mostly mild side effects.

CAN I GET SICK FROM GETTING THE FLU VACCINE?

The Quadrivalent vaccine cannot cause influenza illness, because the vaccine viruses used to make it are ‘inactivated’ (killed) or weakened.

IF I GET A FLU SHOT, AM I GUARANTEED NOT TO GET THE FLU?

Recent studies show vaccine reduces the risk of flu illness by about 50 – 60 percent among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are like the vaccine viruses. Even if you do contract flu, having had the vaccine will reduce the severity of symptoms.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM GETTING THE FLU VACCINATION?

Side effects of Fluzone Quadrivalent vaccine may include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET A FLU SHOT?

While the peak for influenza typically hits late December through March, the season can begin as early as October and last through May. While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity and length of the season varies from year to year. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available.